by Laura Lane
Commissioners ensure that the community receives adequate fire and ambulance protection, while keeping residents' tax bills in mind. The position requires budget and personnel management skills, as well as a working knowledge of government operations, and fire and medical technology.
Kevin O'Hara
Thirty-two-year fire volunteer Kevin O'Hara said, "Throughout my career, I have always been instrumental in emphasizing the role of EMS within our volunteer fire service."
O'Hara graduated from Nassau University Medical Center's Paramedic Education Program and has served as a certified New York State EMS instructor for more than 20 years. He is currently an instructor at the Nassau County Fire Police Academy and Nassau County EMS Academy.
O'Hara earned his master's degree in business administration, majoring in accounting. He has more than 30 years of combined experience in federal and state government, managing budgets and directing personnel.
Charles Kerns
Charles Kerns is a retired World War II colonel and former chief of the North Merrick Fire Department. Kerns, who's lived in North Merrick since 1947, has served as a fire commissioner for 15 years.
Kerns is a member of the department's Fund Drive Committee and is chairman of its annual Blood Bank Drive. He holds a life membership in the New York State Fire Chiefs Association and the Nassau County Fire Chiefs Association.
A graduate of Farmingdale State University and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Kansas, Kerns was employed by Grumman as an electrical and mechanical design engineer.
Kerns said, "I pledge to do all in my power as fire commissioner, using my broad experiences gained as a military officer and engineer, which included skills of personnel management, budget preparation and integrity of classified information. My many years of volunteer service as a North Merrick firefighter and fire commissioner will ensure that the residents of the North Merrick Fire District will continue to receive excellence in fire protection and emergency medical services."
He added, "North Merrick should feel a sense of security that they have a dedicated volunteer fire department that has been trained in the latest techniques in fire extinguishment and emergency medical services. Training is continuous."
Comments about this story? Llane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
Where and when to vote
The fire commissioner election will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 9p.m. at the North Merrick Fire Department, 2095 Camp Ave.
To vote in the election, a resident must live in the North Merrick Fire District and be registered to vote in a general election.
